MCApex44
TY 4 Stroke Guru
- Joined
- Mar 30, 2006
- Messages
- 973
- Reaction score
- 10
- Points
- 843
- Location
- Western New York, Chautauqua County
- Country
- USA
- Snowmobile
- 2014 Viper RTX SE (sold)
Just got back from short ride where I was FINALLY able to put some miles on actual trails.
I did 50 miles on the trail system. Plenty of snow but although the trails were rode on by sleds they were still un-groomed so a lot of fluff and bumpy conditions. The temp was about 5 degrees.
My sled is a RTX SE. Stock ski's w/ 6" SnowStud Double Down Carbides (similar to slim jims)Float 3's set at 75lbs, billet blocks are on soft, transfer blocks on second setting (so one setting away from full transfer), limiter straps and center shock left at stock settings.
The rear suspension...feels pretty nice for the most part other than the occasional bottom and I also feel it rebounds at times a bit too quick as I am getting bounced off the seat here and there. Not too bad but enough to where I will try adding a bit of preload to the center shock and/or put the billet blocks on the medium setting. As she loosens up I feel the rear susp might be too soft as I ride quite aggressive. This sled is certainly a step forward from my Nytro xtx. On the xtx I would constantly be bracing myself or getting my butt off the seat when I was to hit any rough stuff. On this Viper I am looking for the big/rough stuff and it is soaking it right up.
Front Suspension and steering...I was never a fan of the Fox Floats and was nervous about getting a sled with the floats. I have to say at least on this chassis they feel great. I have them at 75lbs and they feel about right. I remember the floats on a 2011 F8 (old cat chassis) would beat the eff out of my arms/hands with the jarring and sudden jolts felt through the handle bars...no matter what air pressure I had them set at. I am not experiencing that at all on the Viper. Very plush and responsive.
Steering effort with the 6" Double downs is very light and easy with no darting. So light/easy I can certainly see no problem going with the 8" for more bite. Some of you guys are complaining of lack of bite or pushing and I can definitely see where your gripe would come from. Here is what I found...if i got lazy on this sled by just sitting there on top of the sled, trying to steer through a turn while on the gas it would tend to push a bit. I quickly found this chassis demands rider input for sure. Therefore, I find the seat and shape of the cowl or cockpit area for your knees is set up/designed perfectly for the (imo) needed rider input. In the corners...if you hang your a$$ of the seat and push your knee up forward/along side the sled you will negate most of the push. I also find it helps to feather the brake and gas to get the front end to dive/bite in the tight corners and twisty's.
It was cold out there and I was pretty surprised on the protection the windshield actually gives and also for the most part my hands stayed warm other than when I would first start out the tips of my fingers were a bit cold/frozen. Quick tip I found for frozen fingers...when you stop for a few seconds like at a road crossing or something...while keeping your hands in your gloves...pull your fingers out of the finger slots and make a fist with your hand (inside your glove) for like 10-15 seconds or more. It will warm your fingers up pretty quick.
I am happy with my Viper so far. I think with a few suspension adjustments (or at most getting the rear shocks revalved) this sled is going to suit me perfectly!
I did 50 miles on the trail system. Plenty of snow but although the trails were rode on by sleds they were still un-groomed so a lot of fluff and bumpy conditions. The temp was about 5 degrees.
My sled is a RTX SE. Stock ski's w/ 6" SnowStud Double Down Carbides (similar to slim jims)Float 3's set at 75lbs, billet blocks are on soft, transfer blocks on second setting (so one setting away from full transfer), limiter straps and center shock left at stock settings.
The rear suspension...feels pretty nice for the most part other than the occasional bottom and I also feel it rebounds at times a bit too quick as I am getting bounced off the seat here and there. Not too bad but enough to where I will try adding a bit of preload to the center shock and/or put the billet blocks on the medium setting. As she loosens up I feel the rear susp might be too soft as I ride quite aggressive. This sled is certainly a step forward from my Nytro xtx. On the xtx I would constantly be bracing myself or getting my butt off the seat when I was to hit any rough stuff. On this Viper I am looking for the big/rough stuff and it is soaking it right up.
Front Suspension and steering...I was never a fan of the Fox Floats and was nervous about getting a sled with the floats. I have to say at least on this chassis they feel great. I have them at 75lbs and they feel about right. I remember the floats on a 2011 F8 (old cat chassis) would beat the eff out of my arms/hands with the jarring and sudden jolts felt through the handle bars...no matter what air pressure I had them set at. I am not experiencing that at all on the Viper. Very plush and responsive.
Steering effort with the 6" Double downs is very light and easy with no darting. So light/easy I can certainly see no problem going with the 8" for more bite. Some of you guys are complaining of lack of bite or pushing and I can definitely see where your gripe would come from. Here is what I found...if i got lazy on this sled by just sitting there on top of the sled, trying to steer through a turn while on the gas it would tend to push a bit. I quickly found this chassis demands rider input for sure. Therefore, I find the seat and shape of the cowl or cockpit area for your knees is set up/designed perfectly for the (imo) needed rider input. In the corners...if you hang your a$$ of the seat and push your knee up forward/along side the sled you will negate most of the push. I also find it helps to feather the brake and gas to get the front end to dive/bite in the tight corners and twisty's.
It was cold out there and I was pretty surprised on the protection the windshield actually gives and also for the most part my hands stayed warm other than when I would first start out the tips of my fingers were a bit cold/frozen. Quick tip I found for frozen fingers...when you stop for a few seconds like at a road crossing or something...while keeping your hands in your gloves...pull your fingers out of the finger slots and make a fist with your hand (inside your glove) for like 10-15 seconds or more. It will warm your fingers up pretty quick.
I am happy with my Viper so far. I think with a few suspension adjustments (or at most getting the rear shocks revalved) this sled is going to suit me perfectly!
